Bark shredder
Maker: Nuu-chah-nulth
Medium:Whale bone
Geography: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Date: 19th century
Dimensions:13.4 x 26.5 x 0.9 cm
Object number: 939.31.34
Credit Line: George T. Emmons Collection
Gallery Location:Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples art & culture
DescriptionThe inner bark of the cedar is the main material for such items as capes, skirts,
blankets and basketry. To prepare the bark, a thin section is passed over a hard
surface, such as the edge of a wood board or paddle, as it is hit with the edge
of the shredder. This process separates the layers of bark that are further
softened by hand ruffling.
